Federal authorities have successfully returned Manjit Singh Bedi from India to the United States to face criminal charges alleging he stole at least $600,000 in government food assistance. Bedi, 64, arrived in Seattle on Wednesday night, October 14, 2026, following coordinated extradition efforts between Indian law enforcement and United States investigators.
According to federal prosecutors and the FBI, Bedi faces six counts of wire fraud and five counts of food stamp benefits fraud. The charges are connected to his operation of the Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington, where authorities allege he carried out an elaborate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme between March 2024 and June 2025.
Details of the Alleged SNAP Fraud Scheme
Investigators outline that Bedi’s fraudulent operation targeted government-funded assistance meant for vulnerable populations. Instead of selling eligible food products, prosecutors claim Bedi and his associates exchanged cash directly for recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
According to the FBI:
- Bedi allegedly swiped SNAP recipients’ EBT cards and provided cash payouts worth approximately half the actual value of the benefits.
- The store operator retained the remaining balance, submitting false grocery transactions to obtain full federal reimbursements.
- The illicit operations accumulated at least $600,000 in fraudulent government payouts over a 15-month period.
“No matter how far someone may flee and no matter how long it may take, the FBI is committed to pursuing those who attempt to outrun the consequences of their criminal actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Mike Herrington during a press briefing regarding the international apprehension.
Flight to Canada and Subsequent Arrest in India
Following his federal indictment, Bedi was initially permitted to appear in court without being taken immediately into custody, provided he surrendered his passport and remained within Washington state. However, authorities state he soon violated these conditions.
Investigators report that Bedi drove across the border into Canada before ultimately fleeing overseas to India. On May 21, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma issued a federal arrest warrant for violating release conditions.
In August 2026, FBI Director Kash Patel announced that Bedi had been added to the newly established “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, carrying a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. In September 2026, local law enforcement authorities, including the Jalandhar Police in Punjab, apprehended Bedi in India.
Extradition Milestones and Enforcement Statistics
Bedi’s return marks a significant victory for the FBI’s recently formed enforcement divisions. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the development on X, noting that Bedi is one of six fugitives captured through the Most Wanted Fraudsters program since its inception three months prior.
“Back in the US – Manjit Singh Bedi, one of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters, arrested in September in India,” Patel posted. “This is the latest in an unprecedented stretch of success in bringing high-value targets back to the United States through strong partnerships with our foreign law enforcement counterparts.”
Federal officials reported that over the preceding 20 months, U.S. authorities secured 260 extraditions and removals, representing a more than 70% increase compared to the prior 20-month period. Bedi, a naturalized U.S. citizen, remains in custody in Washington state to face the full weight of the federal indictment.
